GLOBAL: Journal of Language and Humanity Education
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): August 2025

BRIDGING WELFARE-BASED EDUCATION BETWEEN FINLAND AND INDONESIA: TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS, EXPERIENCES, AND READINESS IN THE ERA OF MERDEKA BELAJAR

Bayu Marheta (STKIP Paracendekia NW Sumbawa)
Iwan Jazadi (STKIP Paracendekia NW Sumbawa)
I.G.A. Widari (STKIP Paracendekia NW Sumbawa)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigates Indonesian teachers’ perceptions, experiences, and readiness in implementing welfare-based teaching strategies inspired by the Finnish educational model and contextualized through Ki Hajar Dewantara’s philosophy. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach, five teachers from junior and senior high schools in West Nusa Tenggara and Java participated through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings: (1) teachers conceptually recognize the importance of welfare in fostering emotional safety, autonomy, and motivation; (2) some welfare-oriented practices, such as brain breaks and student-friendly interactions, have been partially adopted, but teacher self-care remains neglected; and (3) readiness to fully implement welfare-based pedagogy is constrained by structural barriers, including policy pressures, heavy curriculum demands, and limited institutional support. These findings underscore the gap between aspirational reforms like Merdeka Belajar and the practical realities of classroom implementation. To achieve transformative change, policies must embed teacher well-being, curriculum flexibility, and localized pedagogical support. This study contributes actionable insights for aligning global best practices with Indonesia’s educational reform agenda.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

global

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

GLOBAL: Education Language and Humanity Journal is a peer-reviewed academic journal founded by the Paracendekia NW Sumbawa Teacher Training and Education College (STKIP), and published every August and February, with the first publication in August 2023. The journal is published in English English. ...